Marsh "gutted" over Callard's Corrie exit

Kym Marsh has admitted that she was "gutted" when she first heard that her Coronation Street co-star Beverley Callard had decided to quit the soap.

Callard recently revealed that she is bowing out of her role as Weatherfield's Liz McDonald in order to pursue new projects.

Writing in her New magazine column in response to Callard's announcement, Marsh commented: "We're very close and so she told me the news before it hit the headlines - I was gutted."

The actress - who plays barmaid Michelle Connor - added: "I'm going to miss her so much, but she's got to do what's best for her and I fully support her. Of course I'll still see her out of work and, as she's a very creative person, I'm certain she'll take on other TV roles in the future."

On screen next week, viewers will see Liz and Michelle clash in The Rovers as they fall out over Ciaran McCarthy - prompting Michelle to quit her job at the pub.

Callard will make her departure from Coronation Street early next year.